Software Developer's Manual

Transcription

1 Software Developer's Manual Raster Command Reference PT-P900/P900W/P950NW Version 1.00

2 The Brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Each owner whose software title is mentioned in this document has a Software License Agreement specific to its proprietary programs. Any trade names and product names of companies appearing on Brother products, related documents and any other materials are all trademarks or registered trademarks of those respective companies.

3 IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Note This documentation ( Documentation ) provides information that will assist you in controlling your Printer PT- XXXX (where XXXX is the model name). You may use the Documentation only if you first agree to the following conditions. If you do not agree to the following conditions, you may not use the Documentation. Condition of Use You may use and reproduce the Documentation to the extent necessary for your own use of your Printer Model ( Purpose ). Unless expressly permitted in the Documentation, you may not; (i) copy or reproduce the Documentation for any purpose other than the Purpose, (ii) modify, translate or adapt the Documentation, and/or redistribute it to any third party, (iii) rent or lease the Documentation to any third party, or, (iv) remove or alter any copyright notices or proprietary rights legends included within the Documentation. No Warranty a. Any updates, upgrades or alteration of the Documentation or Printer Model will be performed at the sole discretion of Brother. Brother may not respond to any request or inquiry about the Documentation. b. THIS DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BROTHER DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THIS DOCUMENTATION IS FREE FROM ERRORS OR DEFECTS. c. IN NO EVENT SHALL BROTHER BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, ARISING OUT OF THE USE, INABILITY TO USE, OR THE RESULTS OF USE OF THE DOCUMENTATION OR ANY SOFTWARE PROGRAM OR APPLICATION YOU DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTATION.

4 Contents Introduction 1 About Raster Commands 2 1. Printing Using Raster Commands 3 2. Print Data Print data overview Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) Preparation Checking the print data Explanation of print data for the test page Page data details Resolution Page size Feed amount Maximum and minimum lengths Raster line Print Command List Printing Command Details 23 NULL Invalidate Initialize ESC i S Status information request ESC i a Switch dynamic command mode ESC i z Print information command ESC i M Various mode settings ESC i K Advanced mode settings ESC i d Specify margin amount (feed amount) ESC i A Specify the page number in cut each * labels M Select compression mode g Raster graphics transfer Z Zero raster graphics FF Print command Control-Z Print command with feeding Flow Charts Concurrent printing normal flow for USB connection Concurrent printing error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) Concurrent printing error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) Buffered printing normal flow for USB connection Buffered printing error flow for USB connection Normal Flow for Network (Standard TCP/IP port) Connection 45 Appendix A: USB Specifications 46 Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center 47 - i -

5 Introduction This material provides the necessary information for directly controlling the Brother printer PT-XXXX (where XXXX is the model name). This information is provided assuming that the user has full understanding of the operating system being used and basic mastery of USB in a developer's environment. Details concerning the USB interface are not described in this material. If a USB interface is being used, refer to Appendix A: USB Specifications to prepare the interface. Read the model names that appear in the screens in this manual as the name of your printer Introduction

6 About Raster Commands Using raster commands an PT-XXXX printer (where XXXX is the model name) can be used to print without using our printer driver. This operation is useful in the following situations. When printing from an operating system other than Windows (Example: When printing from a Linux computer or mobile terminal) When adding print functions to an existing system In addition, printing can be performed with advanced settings. In this material, raster refers to binary bitmap data (collection of dots). Refer to this material to print by sending initialization commands and control codes together with raster data to the PT-XXXX printer (hereafter, referred to as printer ). This manual describes the procedure for adding these codes and sending the data About Raster Commands

7 1. Printing Using Raster Commands The printing procedure is described below. For detailed flow charts, refer to 5. Flow Charts. For details on each command, refer to 4. Printing Command Details. (1) Open the port Port (2) Send the status (Confirm the printer status.) ( ) (3) Send the print data At your side (5) Send the status (Confirm that printing is completed.) Computer, mobile terminal, etc. Your printer (4) Print (6) Close the port Printing Using Raster Commands

8 (1) Open the USB/network port Open the USB/network port in the operating environment. The procedure for opening the USB/network port is not described in this material. (2) Confirm the printer status sent from the printer The status information request command is sent to the printer, the status information received from the printer is analyzed, and then the status of the printer is determined. For details on the status information request command and on the definitions of status, refer to Status information request in 4. Printing Command Details. (3) Send the print data If the status analysis confirms that media compatible with the print data is loaded into the printer and that no error has occurred, the print data is sent. The structure of the print data is explained in the next section, 2. Print Data. Note: No command can be sent to the printer after the print data is transmitted and until the completion of printing is confirmed. Even the status information request command cannot be sent during printing. (4) Print the data (5) Confirm that printing is completed When printing is completed, the status is received from the printer. If this status is analyzed to confirm that printing is completed, printing one page is considered finished. If the print job has multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. (6) Close the USB/network port After all printing is finished, close the USB/network port. Note: In order to print at high speed when a USB port is used to send uncompressed raster data, the Brother PT-XXXX starts printing when it starts to receive print data, instead of waiting for a print command (concurrent printing). For the processing flow, for example when managing errors, refer to 5. Flow Charts Printing Using Raster Commands

9 2. Print Data 2.1 Print data overview The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster data, and (4) print commands. If the print job consists of multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. (1) Initialization commands Specified only once at the beginning of the job. Sequence Command Name Description/Example 1 Invalidate 2 Initialize Sends a 200-byte invalidate command, and then resets the printer to the receiving state. Initializes for printing. 1Bh, 40h (Fixed) (2) Control codes Added at the beginning of each page and sent for each page. Sequence Command Name Description/Example Switch dynamic command mode Print information command Various mode settings Switches the printer to raster mode. 1Bh, 69h, 61h, 01h Sets the print information for the printer. When printing 100 mm on 24-mm-wide tape with the 180 dpi model: 1Bh, 69h, 7Ah, 84h, 00h, 18h, 00h, 9Ch, 02h, 00h, 00h, 00h, 00h When auto cut is enabled: 1Bh, 69h, 4Dh, 40h 4 Specify the page number in cut each * labels When an auto cut setting is effective, specify the number of sheets for auto cut. For each sheets, 1Bh, 69h, 41h, 01h Advanced mode settings Specify margin amount Select compression mode When half cut is enabled, and chain printing is disabled: 1BH,69H,4B,0CH Specifies the amount of the margins. For 1 mm margins on the 360 dpi model: 1Bh, 69h, 64h, 0Eh, 00h Selects the compression mode for raster graphics. To send the data compressed to TIFF format: 4Dh, 02h Print Data

10 (3) Raster data Repeated for each page in the print job. Sequence Command Name Description/Example - Raster graphics transfer Sends a raster line that contains data with pixels set to ON. - Zero raster graphics Sends a raster line with all pixels set to 0.(Valid only when TIFF is selected as the compression mode) 5Ah (Fixed) (4) Print commands Specified at the end of the page. Sequence Command Name Description/Example - Print command Specifies at the end of a page that is not the last page. 0Ch(Fixed) - Print command with feeding Specifies at the end of the last page. 1Ah (Fixed) Print Data

11 2.2 Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) The print data created by the printer driver is described here. As an example, we will check the print data created when the [Print Test Page] button in the printer Properties dialog box is clicked to print the test page. Since the print data differs depending on the print settings of the printer, refer to this procedure and try creating print data with various print settings. Furthermore, this procedure is for the Windows 7 operating environment. A similar procedure can be performed if you are using a different operating system. Printer Properties Test page Preparation Install the two listed below. Printer driver of the Brother PT-XXXX Binary file editor The data that we will analyze in this sample is a binary file. Therefore, use a binary file editor to display and check the contents of the binary file Checking the print data The procedure for checking the print data is provided below. Step 1: Change the port of the printer to FILE:. Step 2: Print the desired item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. Step 3: Open the created file in the binary file editor to check it Print Data

12 Step 1: Change the port of the printer to FILE:. Open the Printers and Faxes folder, and then right-click the printer to display the Properties dialog box. In the Properties dialog box, click the [Ports] tab, select the FILE: check box, and then click the [Apply] button. [Ports] tab of the printer Properties dialog box Step 2: Print the item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. Print the test page with 36mm selected as the paper size in the print settings Print Data

13 When the test page is printed with the printer, a dialog box appears so that the file name can be specified. (Refer to the illustration below.) After a file name is typed in and the [OK] button is clicked, the printer driver creates the print data and saves it in a file with the specified name. Dialog box for specifying the file name Step 3: Open the print data in the binary file editor. Open the saved file in the binary file editor. The rows of numbers that appear are the print data. (Refer to the illustration below.) The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster data and (4) print commands, which were described in 2.1 Print data overview. For details on the print data, refer to Explanation of print data for the test page. Print data Print Data

14 2.2.3 Explanation of print data for the test page The print data for the test page outputted in the previous section is described below. The following illustration shows the print data created in section Preparation opened in the binary file editor. Print data Print Data

15 Descriptions for the numbers in the print data on the previous page are provided in the following table. For details on each command, refer to 4. Printing Command Details. No. Command Name Description 1 Invalidate A 200-byte invalidate command is sent. 2 Initialize The initialize command is sent Switch dynamic command mode Job ID setting commands Print information command Various mode settings (1Bh+69h+4Dh+40H) Specify the page number in cut each * labels Advanced mode settings Specify number of copies The printer is switched to raster mode. Send this command before sending raster data to the printer. Internal specification commands Since this is a command for outputting with the commercial version driver, it is unnecessary for the user to send this command. Media size information for the print data is sent. This is the command for 36 mm tape. This is a command for specifying a mode. Here, automatically cutting is specified. The number of pages printed before automatically cutting is specified. This is the command for specifying settings for the advanced mode. In this case, no chain printing is enabled, and half cut is enabled. Internal specification commands Since this is a command for outputting with the commercial version driver, it is unnecessary for the user to send this command. 10 Specify margin amount Specifies the amount of the margins. This is the command for 14 dots. 11 Select compression mode TIFF compression mode is selected. 12 Raster data Raster data continues. 13 Print command with feeding Since it is the last page, the print command with feeding is sent at the end of the page Print Data

16 2.3 Page data details Resolution Resolution Height-to-Width Proportion 360 dpi high, 360 dpi wide 1:1 360 dpi high, 720 dpi wide 1: Print Data

17 2.3.2 Page size (a) Continuous length tape Print area Feeding direction Landscape Number 1 Width 2 Length 3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset TZe tape ID Tape Size Designation mm 3.5 mm 0.13" 3.38 mm 48 dots mm 48 dots mm 0 dots mm 6 mm 0.23" 6.00 mm 84 dots mm 64 dots mm 10 dots mm 9 mm mm 128 dots mm 106 dots mm 11 dots mm 12 mm mm 170 dots mm 150 dots mm 10 dots mm 18 mm mm 256 dots mm 234 dots mm 11 dots mm 24 mm mm 340 dots mm 320 dots mm 10 dots mm 36 mm mm 512 dots mm 454 dots mm 29 dots Print Data

18 Heat-Shrink Tube ID Tape Size Designation mm HS 5.8mm HS 0.23" 5.60 mm 80 dots mm 56 dots mm 12 dots mm HS 8.8mm HS mm 124 dots mm 96 dots mm 14 dots mm HS 11.7mm HS mm 164 dots mm 132 dots mm 16 dots mm HS 17.7mm HS mm 252 dots mm 212 dots mm 20 dots mm HS 23.6mm HS mm 336 dots mm 256 dots mm 40 dots Print Data

19 (b) Split size Number 1 Width 2 Length 3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset 7 Overall width 8 Width of overall print area TZe tape ID Tape Size Designation [3] x Split number + [5] x 2 8 [3] x Split number mm 12 mm x mm mm 0.00 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 170 dots 0 dots 170 dots x dots x dots x mm 12 mm x mm mm 0.00 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 170 dots 0 dots 170 dots x dots x 2 70 dots x mm 12 mm x mm mm 0.00 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 170 dots 0 dots 170 dots x dots x 2 70 dots x mm 18 mm x mm mm 0.04 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 254 dots 1 dots 254 dots x dots x dots x mm 18 mm x mm mm 0.04 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 254 dots 1 dots 254 dots x dots x dots x mm 18 mm x mm mm 0.04 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 254 dots 1 dots 254 dots x dots x dots x mm 24 mm x mm mm 0.01 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 340 dots 0 dots 340 dots x dots x dots x mm 24 mm x mm mm 0.01 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 340 dots 0 dots 340 dots x dots x dots x mm 24 mm x mm mm 0.01 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 340 dots 0 dots 340 dots x dots x dots x Print Data

20 mm 36 mm x mm mm 2.03 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 454 dots 29 dots 454 dots x dots x dots x mm 36 mm x mm mm 2.03 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 454 dots 29 dots 454 dots x dots x dots x mm 36 mm x mm mm 2.03 mm mm x mm x mm x x dots 454 dots 29 dots 454 dots x dots x dots x Print Data

21 2.3.3 Feed amount The feed amount (left and right margins) is defined below. 360dpi x 360dpi Type Minimum margin setting Maximum margin setting Minimum margin setting with no precut (Unrelated to driver) Normal 1 mm 0.04" 14 dots 127 mm 5.00" 1800 dots 27 mm dots 360dpi x 720dpi Type Minimum margin setting Maximum margin setting Minimum margin setting with no precut (Unrelated to driver) High resolution 1 mm 0.04" 28 dots 127 mm 5.00" 3600 dots 27 mm dots Print Data

22 2.3.4 Maximum and minimum lengths The maximum and minimum lengths are defined below. TZe tape 360dpi x 360dpi Type Minimum length Maximum length Normal 4 mm dots 1000 mm dots 360dpi x 720dpi Type Minimum length Maximum length High resolution 4 mm dots 1000 mm dots Heat-Shrink Tube Type Minimum length Maximum length Normal 4.2 mm dots 500 mm dots * The minimum length with the driver is based on the machine specifications (due to the machine cutter position), and the minimum length of tape that can be fed out is 27 mm. For example, even when the minimum print data of 4.2 mm is created, the print result will be the 27 mm of tape shown below, since the minimum length of tape that can be fed out is 27 mm. 27 mm In other words, the print data will be on 27 mm of tape when the print data length is 27 mm or less Print Data

23 RasterLine 4 Zero Raster 1 Zero Raster 1 RasterLine 3 RasterLine 2 RasterLine 1 Raster Command Reference Raster line As shown below, the parts with data to be printed are converted with raster graphics transfer, and the parts with no data are converted with zero raster graphics. On the actual tape, margins (feed) are added specified with various mode settings at the beginning and the end. Feeding direction Expansion direction Print area Rasterized Feeding direction Print area Print head The following shows the relationship between the raster graphics parameters and the pixels. MSB LSB 1 st B MSB LSB MSB LSB MSB LSB 2 nd B 3 rd B 4 th B Print Data

24 Total number of pins: 560pin Number of pins for right margin Raster line First byte Left and right margins Number of print area pins Total number of pins Print area Last byte 0 pin Number of pins for left margin Pins on print head Feeding direction TZe tape: Tape Type Number of pins for left margin Number of print area pins Number of pins for right margin Number of bytes for raster graphics transfer 3.5 mm mm mm mm mm mm mm Print Data

25 Heat-Shrink Tube: Tape Type Number of pins for left margin Number of print area pins Number of pins for right margin Number of bytes for raster graphics transfer 6 mm mm mm mm mm Print Data

26 3. Print Command List ASCII Code Binary Code Description NULL 00 Invalidate 1B 40 Initialize ESC i S 1B Status information request ESC i a 1B Switch dynamic command mode ESC i z 1B 69 7A Print information command ESC i M 1B 69 4D Various mode settings ESC i A 1B Specify the page number in cut each * labels ESC i K 1B 69 4B Advanced mode settings ESC i d 1B Specify margin amount (feed amount) M 4D Select compression mode g 67 Raster graphics transfer Z 5A Zero raster graphics FF 0C Print command Control-Z 1A Print command with feeding Print Command List

27 4. Printing Command Details NULL Invalidate ASCII: NULL Hexadecimal: 00 Description Skipped If data transmission is to be stopped midway, send the initialize command after sending the invalidate command for the appropriate number of bytes to return to the receiving state, where the print buffer is cleared. Initialize ASCII: Hexadecimal: 1B 40 Description Initializes mode settings. Also used to cancel printing. ESC i S Status information request ASCII: ESC i S Hexadecimal: 1B Description Send a request to the printer for status information. For details on the status, refer to the previous section. The size is fixed at 32 bytes. Note Before sending print data to the printer, this command should be sent once. Since error information is automatically sent by the printer during printing, do not send this command while printing. For details on transmission of the status, refer to 5. Flow Charts Printing Command Details

28 Number Offset Size Name Value/Reference Print head mark Fixed at 80h Size Fixed at 20h Brother code Fixed at B (42h) Series code Fixed at 0 (30h) Model code PT-P900: Fixed at q (71h) PT-P900W: Fixed at o (69h) PT-P950NW: Fixed at p (70h) Country code Fixed at 0 (30h) Battery Level Refer to table (10) below Extended error Refer to table (11) below Error information 1 Refer to table (1) below Error information 2 Refer to table (2) below Media width Refer to table (3) below Media type Refer to table (4) below Number of colors Fixed at 00h Fonts Fixed at 00h Japanese fonts Fixed at 00h Mode Value specified where the various mode settings command 00h if not specified Density Fixed at 00h Media length Refer to table (3) below Status type Refer to table (5) below Phase type Phase number (higher order bytes) Phase number (lower order bytes) Refer to table (6) below Notification number Refer to table (7) below Expansion area (number of bytes) Fixed at 00h Tape color information Refer to table (8) below Text color information Refer to table (9) below Reserved Fixed at 00h 31~32 30~31 1 Reserved Fixed at 00h Printing Command Details

29 (1) Error information 1 Flag Mask Definition Bit 0 01h No media error Bit 1 02h End of media error Bit 2 04h Cutter jam Bit 3 08h Weak batteries Bit 4 10h Printer in use Bit 5 20h (Not used) Bit 6 40h High-voltage adapter Bit 7 80h (Not used) (2) Error information 2 Flag Mask Definition Bit 0 01h Replace media error (with a serial connecting) Wrong media Bit 1 02h Expansion buffer full error Bit 2 04h Communication error Bit 3 08h Communication buffer full error Bit 4 10h Cover open error Bit 5 20h Overheating error Bit 6 40h Black marking not detected error Bit 7 80h System error Printing Command Details

30 (3) Media width and length The media width and length is described in millimeters. 0~255 (0 to FFh) (a) TZe tape * Media Width: The tape width is indicated in millimeters. * Media Length: Fixed at 00h Media Media Width Media Length No tape 00h 00h 3.5 mm 04h 00h 6 mm 06h 00h 9 mm 09h 00h 12 mm 0Ch 00h 18 mm 12h 00h 24 mm 18h 00h 36 mm 24h 00h HS 5.8 mm 06h 00h HS 8.8 mm 09h 00h HS 11.7 mm 0Ch 00h HS 17.7 mm 12h 00h HS 23.6 mm 18h 00h FLe 21 mm x 45 mm 15h 2Dh (4) Media type Media Type No media Laminated tape Non-laminated tape Fabric Tape Heat-Shrink Tube Fle tape Flexible ID tape Satin tape Incompatible tape Value 00h 01h 03h 04h 11h 13h 14h 15h FFh Printing Command Details

31 (5) Status type Status Type Reply to status request Printing completed Error occurred Exit IF mode Turned off Notification Phase change (Not used) (Reserved) Value 00h 01h 02h 03h (not used) 04h 05h 06h 07h to 20h 21h to FFh If an error occurred during printing, the printer returns the error status. (6) Phase type and phase number If the phase number is not used, both are fixed at 00h. Phase State Editing state (reception possible) Printing state Phase Type 00h 01h Editing state Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes Editing state (reception possible) 0 00h 00h Feed 1 00h 01h Printing state Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes Printing 0 00h 00h (Not used) 10 00h 0Ah Cover open while receiving 20 00h 14h (Not used) 25 00h 19h Printing Command Details

32 (7) Notification number Notification Not available Cover open Cover closed Cooling (started) Cooling (finished) Value 00h 01h 02h 03h 04h (8) Tape color information Tape color Tape color ID Notes White Other Clear Red Blue Yellow Green Black Clear(White text) Matte White Matte Clear Matte Silver Satin Gold Satin Silver Blue(D) 01h 02h 03h 04h 05h 06h 07h 08h 09h 20h 21h 22h 23h 24h 30h TZe-535(12 mm) TZe-545(18 mm) TZe-555(24 mm) Red(D) 31h TZe-435(12 mm) Fluorescent Orange Fluorescent Yellow 40h 41h Berry Pink(S) 50h TZe-MQP35 Light Gray(S) 51h TZe-MQL35 Lime Green(S) 52h TZe-MQG35 Yellow(F) Pink(F) Blue(F) 60h 61h 62h Printing Command Details

33 White(Heat-shrink Tube) White(Flex. ID) Yellow(Flex. ID) Cleaning Stencil Incompatible 70h 90h 91h F0h F1h FFh (9) Text color information Text color White Red Blue Black Gold Blue(F) Cleaning Stencil Other Incompatible Text color ID 01h 04h 05h 08h 0Ah 62h F0h F1h 02h FFh (10) Battery Level Battery Level Full Half Low Need to be Charged Using AC adaptor Unknown 00 h 01 h 02 h 03 h 04 h FF h Value Printing Command Details

34 (11) Extended error Error Type Fle tape end High-resolution/draft printing error Adaptor pull/insert error Battery error Incompatible media error System error Value 10h 1Dh 1Eh 1Fh 21h FFh Printing Command Details

35 ESC i a Switch dynamic command mode ASCII: ESC i a {n1} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} Parameters Definitions of {n}: 0: ESC/P mode (default) 1: Raster mode (Be sure to switch to this mode.) 3: P-touch Template mode Description Dynamically switches between the printer's command modes. A printer that receives this command operates in the specified command mode until the printer is turned off. The printer must be switched to raster mode before raster data is sent to it. Therefore, send this command to switch the printer to raster mode Printing Command Details

36 ESC i z Print information command ASCII: ESC i z {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} Hexadecimal: 1B 69 7A {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} Description Specifies the print information. Definitions of {n1} through {n10} {n1}: {n2}: Valid flag; Specifies which values are valid #define PI_KIND 0x02 // Media type #define PI_WIDTH 0x04 // Media width #define PI_LENGTH 0x08 // Media length #define PI_QUALITY 0x40 // Priority given to print quality (Not used) #define PI_RECOVER 0x80 // Printer recovery always on Media type Laminated/Non-laminated tape: 00h Heat-Shrink Tube:11h Fle tape:13h Incompatible tape:ffh Only supported for High-resolution printing and draft printing. Please set to 09h when printing. {n3}: {n4}: {n5-n8}: {n3}: Media width (mm) {n4}: Media length (mm) For the media of width 24 mm, specify as n3 = 18h and n4 = 00h. n4 is normally 00h, regardless of the paper length. Raster number = n8*256*256*256 + n7*256*256 + n6*256 + n5 If the media is not correctly loaded into the printer when the valid flag for PI_KIND, PI_WIDTH and PI_LENGTH are set to ON, an error status is returned (Bit 0 of (2) Error information is set to ON.) {n9}: Starting page: 0 Other pages: 1 Last page: 2 The output will be 2 regardless of starting/last page for the job consists of single page. {n10}: Fixed at Printing Command Details

37 ESC i M Various mode settings ASCII: ESC i M {n1} Hexadecimal: 1B 69 4D {n1} Parameters Definitions of {n1} The meaning of each bit in a 1-byte parameter is described below. 0 ~ 5bit:Not used 6bit:Auto cut 1. Automatically cuts 0. Does not automatically cut 7bit:Mirror printing 1. Mirror printing 0. No mirror printing ESC i K Advanced mode settings ASCII: ESC i K {n1} Hexadecimal: 1B 69 4B {n1} Parameters Definitions of {n1} The meaning of each bit in a 1-byte parameter is described below. 1bit, 5bit: Not used 0bit: Draft printing 1: Draft printing 0: Normal printing 2bit:Half cut 1: Half cut on 0: Half cut off 3bit:No chain printing When printing multiple copies, the labels are fed after the last one is printed. 1: No chain printing(feeding and cutting are performed after the last one is printed.) 0: Chain printing(feeding and cutting are not performed after the last one is printed.) 4bit:Special tape (no cutting) Labels are not cut when special tape is installed. 1: Special tape (no cutting) ON 0: Special tape (no cutting) OFF 6bit:High-resolution printing 1: High-resolution printing 0: Normal printing 7bit:No buffer clearing when printing The expansion buffer of the machine is not cleared with the no buffer clearing when printing command. If this command is sent when the data of the first label is printed (it is specified between the initialize command and the print data), printing is possible only if a print command is sent with the second or later label. 1:No buffer clearing when printing ON 0:No buffer clearing when printing OFF Printing Command Details

38 ESC i d Specify margin amount (feed amount) ASCII: ESC i d {n1} {n2} Hexadecimal: 1B {n1} {n2} Description Specifies the amount of the margins. Margin amount (dots)=n1+n2*256 (a) Continuous length tape Paper Tape Print area Margin amount Cut line ESC i A Specify the page number in cut each * labels ASCII: ESC i A {n} Hexadecimal: 1B {n} Parameters Definitions of {n} Page number = n1 (1-99) Default is 1 (cut each label). Description When auto cut is specified, you can specify page number (1-99) in cut each * labels Printing Command Details

39 M Select compression mode Parameters Description ASCII: M {n} Hexadecimal: 4D Definitions of {n} {n} 0 No-compression mode (Enabled) 1 Reserved (Disabled) 2 TIFF (Enabled) Selects the compression mode. Data compression is available only for data in raster graphic transfer. [TIFF(Pack Bits)] 1-byte units If the same data is repeated, the number of data units and that 1 byte of data are specified. If different data is in a series, the number of data items and all of the different data are specified. If the same data is repeated, the number of data units is specified as the actual number minus 1, expressed as a negative number. If different data is in a series, the number of data units is specified as the number of bytes minus 1, expressed as a positive number. If the above process results in more than 70 bytes of compressed data, the data is treated as being all different. As a result, the data will be 71 bytes, including the 1 byte that specifies the data length. Example 1 raster of raster graphics transfer: Without compression: BA BF A2 22 2B With compression: ED 00 FF BA BF A2 22 2B a b c a. Since 00h is repeated for 20 bytes, 20d -> 19d -> 13h changed into a negative number is EDh. Therefore: ED 00 b. Since 22h is repeated for 2 bytes, 2d -> 1d -> 1h changed into a negative number is FFh. Therefore: FF 22 c. The following 6 bytes remain unchanged. 6d -> 5d -> 5h Therefore: BA BF A2 22 2B Continue for the remaining number of bytes for the uncompressed data. Even if 00h continues until the end, it cannot be omitted Printing Command Details

40 Explanation of TIFF compression mode With compression, the data for the raster graphics transfer command is based on 70 bytes of the total number of pins (560). As shown below, with no compression, the sum of the number of offset pins and the number of pins within the print area is the byte data. However, with compression, the number of unused pins is also added to the data. In other words, with compression, this becomes 70 bytes when it is expanded by the printer, regardless of the tape width. Raster line with compression Raster line with no compression 0 pin First byte Number of offset pins Tape margin Total number of pins Number of print area pins Print area Number of unused pins Pins on print head Last byte Feeding direction Printing Command Details

41 g Raster graphics transfer ASCII: G {n1} {n2} {d1}... {dk} Hexadecimal: 47 {n1} {n2} {d1}... {dk} Description Transfers the specified number of bytes (k) of data. The data is expanded by overwriting from the position where the margin was added. If the expanded data does not reach the end of the expansion buffer, the remainder is filled with 0 data. If the expanded data exceeds the end of the expansion buffer, the excess is cut off. Parameters {n1}{n2} Specified number of bytes k = n1 + n2* h Specified number of bytes k First positive number that exceeds the value of the number of print head pins divided by 8 (Gauss number) {k} Number of bytes of raster data (d1 to dk) However, use the following value if no compression is specified as the compression mode. k=70 {d1~dk} Raster data. Z Zero raster graphics ASCII: Z Hexadecimal: 5A Description Fills raster line with 0 data. FF Print command ASCII: FF Hexadecimal: 0C Description Used as a print command at the end of pages other than the last page when multiple pages are printed Printing Command Details

42 Control-Z Print command with feeding ASCII: Control-Z Hexadecimal: 1A Description Used as a print command at the end of the last page Printing Command Details

43 5. Flow Charts Normally, printing is performed as buffered printing. However, if the printer is connected via USB and uncompressed data is received, concurrent printing is performed. Note: Concurrent printing:printing starts immediately after the printer receives print data. Buffered printing:printing starts after one page of print data is received Flow Charts

44 5.1 Concurrent printing normal flow for USB connection Computer (host) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is READ transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Displaying sending Invalidate Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printer The printer is reset. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Display ing printing Phase change Printing received. Printing completed received. READ Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/raster data Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

45 5.2 Concurrent printing error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Displaying sending Computer (host) READ Invalidate Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Printer The printer is reset. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Displaying printing READ Phase change Printing received. Printing completed received. Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/raster data Status ( Error occurred ) Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Error occurred Displaying printing If an error occurs, all data read from the computer is cleared. Displaying printing Error Occured received. An error appears. When restarted, data is resent starting with the 1st page since Printing for the 2nd page is not received. Resending process for data of 1st page READ Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Initialize Reprinting 1st page Flow Charts

46 5.3 Concurrent printing error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Computer (host) READ Displaying sending Invalidate Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Sending control codes Printer Any jobs with errors remaining in the printer are cleared. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Data received. Status (Phase change : Printing ) Beginning printing without waiting for a print command Printing Phase change Printing received. Displaying printing Printing completed received. Phase change Waiting to receive received. Finishing process for printing page 1 Sending data for page 2 Displaying printing READ Phase change Printing received. Error Occured received. An error appears. When restarted, data is resent starting with the 2nd page since Printing for the 2nd page is received. Resending process for data of 2nd page READ Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Status ( Printing completed ) Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control code/raster data Status (Phase change : Printing ) Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) Initialize Status ( Error Occurred ) Printing of the 1st page is actually not finished, but the Printing completed status and Waiting to receive phase are sent. Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Error occurred If an error occurs, all data read from the computer is cleared. Reprinting 2nd page Flow Charts

47 5.4 Buffered printing normal flow for USB connection If there are no problems with the printer status (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Computer (host) READ Invalidate Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) Printer The printer is reset. The printer is initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Displaying sending Sending control codes Data received. Displaying printing Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Printing Phase change Printing received. READ Status (Phase change: Printing ) Printing completed received. Status ( Printing completed ) Phase change Waiting to receive received. Finishing process for printing 1st page Sending data for 2nd page Status (Phase change: Waiting to receive ) Sending control codes Printing 1st page Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

48 5.5 Buffered printing error flow for USB connection If there are no problems with the printer status READ (media, etc.), the data is transmitted. If there is a problem, an error appears. Computer (host) Invalidate Initialize Status information request Status (response to status information request) or an error is displayed Printer The printer is reset. The printer is Initialized. The status of the printer (media, etc.) is checked and a response is sent. Displaying sending Sending control codes Data received. Displaying printing Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) Printing READ Phase change Printing received. Status (Phase change: Printing ) Status ( Error Occurred ) Error occurred Flow Charts

49 5.6 Normal Flow for Network (Standard TCP/IP port) Connection *With a network connection, print data from the operating system s port monitor is simply sent as is. When it prints 2 pages data Computer (host) Printer Divide print data into particular size, and send it. Receive data End process for printing 1st Sending data for 2nd page BUSY As one page data receives in the printer buffer, start printing Printing 1st page Printer buffer is full BUSY BUSY BUSY At host side, as sending print data has completed, the print job data is erased. The print job is treated to be completion at printer side As 2nd page data receives in the printer buffer, start printing. Printing 2nd page Flow Charts

50 Appendix A: USB Specifications USB specifications 1.1 Item Description Vendor ID Product ID Class Character string for manufacturer Character string for serial number Device speed Number of interfaces 0x04F9 PT-P900W 0x2085 PT-P950NW 0x2086 PT-P900 0x2083 Printer Character string descriptor: 0x01 0x0409: Brother Character string descriptor: 0x03 0x0409: Last nine digits of the printer s serial number Full speed 1 (No alternate interfaces) With the printer class Power supply End point 1 End point 2 Self-powered (As a printer class, Bus power is also set to ON.) In bulk (Sends the status from the printer to the computer.) Maximum packet size: 64 bytes Out bulk (Sends print commands and data from the computer to the printer.) Maximum packet size: 64 bytes Appendix A: USB Specifications

51 Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center Useful information for developers, such as applications, tools, SDKs as well as FAQs, are provided in the Brother Developer Center Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center

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